Christmas: Wike, Sani-Bello advocate selflessness, forgiveness
Rivers State Governor Nyesom Wike has called on Christians to use the occasion of Christmas to promote love, peace and unity.
In a statement by his Special Assistant, Media, Kelvin Ebiri, the governor urged Christian faithful to remain committed to the worthy ideals exemplified by Jesus Christ.
He advised the privileged in the state to use the season to reach out to the less privileged to deepen friendship and communal living.
The governor said: “I join Christian faithful in our dear Rivers State and the entire world in celebrating the joyous occasion of Christmas.
“As we remember the true meaning of this glorious festivity, may we emulate the Lord Jesus Christ’s love, kindness by extending our hands to the less privileged among us.”
He advised the people to use the season to deepen their faith in God as He has the solution to all societal challenges.
Wike assured the people that his administration in partnership with all security agencies would ensure a peaceful celebration of the season.
The governor reiterated that he would continue to work till May 29, 2023, as his administration strives to build a new Rivers for the benefits of all.
Also on Saturday, Niger State Governor, Abubakar Sani Bello, thanked God for the relative peace the state is currently enjoying as Christians celebrate the 2022 Christmas.
In his Christmas message, Bello assured of his administration’s continuous support to security agencies.
He urged Christians to reflect on the significance of the birth of Jesus Christ, urging the people to imbibe the Christain hallmarks of love, compassion, sacrifice, selflessness, and forgiveness as they mark the Christmas celebrations.
He enjoined the people to have renewed trust in his administration’s determination and unwavering commitment to restoring peace, security, and prosperity to the state.
“I celebrate with all Christians on this joyous occasion of commemorating the birth of Jesus Christ.
“Love, compassion, sacrifice, selflessness, and forgiveness are the basis for the celebration so I urge all Nigerlites to use this period to reflect and practice these principles for a better society,” he said.
He urged residents to support the security agencies by volunteering credible information on the activities of bandits and other criminal elements within their communities to flush them out.
The Niger State Chapter of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) felicitated Christians in the state over the celebration of Christmas.
It said there was much to celebrate despite challenges.
The state CAN Chairman, Rev. Bulus Dauda Yohanna, in a Christmas message, urged the people to look at the good side of what is happening especially the relative peace being enjoyed in the state in recent times.
“Despite all the security, economic and social challenges being experienced by the country and our state in particular, there is so much to appreciate God for especially for the uninterrupted democracy since 1999.
“I urge every one of us to remain hopeful because the birth of Christ heralds good tidings to all mankind,” he said.
Yohanna urged Christians to use the period to pray for the 2023 general elections and ask God to give Nigeria leaders after His own heart.
“Let us trust God in our prayers to aspire for a better nation and a better future for us and for the next generation to work to change the current narrative and status quo in our nation’s polity.”
(Nation)
